Drugs of Abuse Publication, Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Inhalants

Many types of household glues contain harmful vapors that are inhaled when placed in bags or spread inside of a painters face mask.

Inhalants are a diverse group of substances that include volatile solvents, gases, and nitrites that are sniffed, snorted, huffed, or bagged to produce intoxicating effects similar to alcohol. These substances are found in common household products like glues, lighter fluid, cleaning fluids, and paint products. Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhaling or sniffing of these substances to get high, and it is estimated that about 1,000 substances are misused in this manner. The easy accessibility, low cost, legal status, and ease of transport and concealment make inhalants one of the first substances abused by children.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there were over 1 million new inhalant users in 2002. During 2003, almost 23 million (9.7%) persons ages 12 and older reported using an inhalant at least once in their lifetime. The 2003 Monitoring the Future Study from the University of Michigan reported that 8.7 percent of 8th graders, 5.4 percent of 10th graders, and 3.9 percent of 12th graders used inhalants in the past year. The study also showed that 4.1 percent of 8th graders, 2.2 percent of 10th graders, and 1.6 percent of 12th graders used inhalants in the past month.

The highest incidence of use is among 10 to 12 year old children with rates of use declining with age. Parents worry about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use but may be unaware of the hazards associated with products found throughout their homes. Knowing what these products are, how they might be harmful, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of their use as inhalants, can help a parent prevent inhalant abuse.

For example, volatile solvents are found in a number of everyday products. Some of these products include nail polish remover, lighter fluid, gasoline, paint and paint thinner, rubber glue, waxes, and varnishes. Chemicals found in these products include toluene, benzene, methanol, methylene chloride, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl butyl ketone, trichloroethylene, and trichlorethane. The gas used as a propellant in canned whipped cream and in small lavender metallic containers called "whippets" (used to make whipped cream) is nitrous oxide or "laughing gas"--the same gas used by dentists for anesthesia. Tiny cloth-covered ampules, called poppers or snappers by abusers, contain amyl nitrite, a medication used to dilate blood vessels. Butyl nitrite, sold as tape head cleaner and referred to as "rush," "locker room," or "climax," is often sniffed or huffed to get high.
Picture of a disposable lighter.

Vapors from pocket lighters are inhaled or "huffed" through the nostrils. These lighters are cheap and easily concealed.

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Inhalants may be sniffed directly from an open container or huffed from a rag soaked in the substance and held to the face. Alternatively, the open container or soaked rag can be placed in a bag where the vapors can concentrate before being inhaled. Some chemicals are painted on the hands or fingernails or placed on shirt sleeves or wrist bands to enable an abuser to continually inhale the fumes without being detected by a teacher or other adult. Although inhalant abusers may prefer one particular substance because of taste or odor, a variety of substances may be used because of similar effects, availability, and cost. Once the substance is inhaled, the extensive capillary surface of the lungs allows rapid absorption of the substance, and blood levels peak rapidly. Entry into the brain is fast, and the intoxicating effects are short-lived but intense.

Inhalants depress the central nervous system, producing decreased respiration and blood pressure. Users report distortion in perceptions of time and space. Many users experience headaches, nausea, slurred speech, and loss of motor coordination. Mental effects may include fear, anxiety, or depression. A rash around the nose and mouth may be seen, and the abuser may start wheezing. An odor of paint or organic solvents on clothes, skin, and breath is sometimes a sign of inhalant abuse. Other indicators of inhalant abuse include slurred speech or staggering gait, red, glassy, watery eyes, and excitability or unpredictable behavior.

The chronic use of inhalants has been associated with a number of serious health problems. Sniffing glue and paint thinner causes kidney abnormalities, while sniffing the solvents toluene and trichloroethylene cause liver damage. Memory impairment, attention deficits, and diminished non-verbal intelligence have been related to the abuse of inhalants. Deaths resulting from heart failure, asphyxiation, or aspiration have occurred.

For more information regarding inhalants, contact the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition by telephone (1-800-269-4237) or by the Internet (www.inhalants.org).
Photo of permanent markers.

Markers are placed in a sandwich bag and then stepped on and crushed to breath the vapors.